Photographer Marica Resnick and Japanese painter and performance artist Hiroya, in the Gershwin Gallery. The glasses were provided to be able to see a Rolling Stones image in 3D. Hiroya also had his own floor at The Gershwin's Art Museum MA13, with art and a pair of his shoes on the walls.
Mikkelsen: I visited the Gershwin Hotel for the first time in 1993. It was a halfway house for ex-convicts and the homeless, and some of the floors had been renovated for use as a hostel. I worked off the cost of my room as the assistant to Lynne Packwood, the hotel's interior designer in residence from Liverpool [who was overseeing renovations.]
Blond woman at a party. Lucky strike half exposed film situation going on.
In the early years, it was Jules Feiler and Urs Jakob that stood behind most of the ideas for events. A Gershwin party started out on the street where, upon arrival, the long flame sculptures by Finnish designer Stefan Lindfors would draw one inside and through the lobby, which was connected to the art gallery. The Red Bar and the Living Room were in the back, and the Mezzanine, a Being John Malkovich-esque space with lower ceilings, was on the 1 1⁄2 floor. The Penthouse had a lovely rooftop covered in high-end astroturf, where they held starlit parties and film festivals. The hotel was called MA13—Museum of Art 13 Floors. Each floor had a permanent exhibition with different artists, including yours truly.
Susanne Bartsch at The Castle in Battery Park.
The project began developing in my mind in 1996 while reading Catcher in the Rye, which Lynne gave me because she said I reminded her of Holden Caulfield.
Woman with drink in her hand and Statue of Liberty head designed by Lynne Packwood.
DJ Jackie Christie and actor Michael Weiner standing on the red carpet outside the Gershwin Hotel. Light sculptures designed by Stefan Lindfors.
Well, to start with, Quentin Crisp—Sting’s “Englishman in New York,” who often came by the Gershwin for parties. For the exhibition opening, I sent him a handwritten invitation. The time of the opening was 7 PM, but Quentin had mistaken PM for AM. The man, who looked like a sweet little old lady, was over 80 years old and had never been to the Empire State Building.
Junior Vasquez at his Arena Party, on his 50th birthday in the Mike Todd Room at Peter Gatien's Palladium.
The 90s was an in-between era fueled by house music, ecstasy, Special K, open bars, a booming stock market, and the web bubble that had not popped yet. There was an overflow of young, cool, clever, and creative people around with money to burn.At the time of the beginning of the downfall, I was collaborating on curating art and cultural events at the Tunnel. I soon became part of the plans to re-open the Limelight, and pitched the idea of having HR Giger do the VIP room. This happened in the most wonderful way, and I met the mother of my daughter in that VIP room when I DJed there.
Morning on 14th Street outside Junior Vasquez's Arena Party at Palladium. From left: Actor Tim Cummings and Raymie Moynagh with friends.
Calvin Kline Model of the time in orange with Billy Name. Silkscreen prints designed by Lynne Packwood.
Amanda Lepore and Sophia Lamar taken at Cheetah Club for DJ Goldfinger and Lasia Alexine's Casino Royal Party. The image was recently used for the poster for Gustavo Sanchez film "I Hate New York" and featured in the film.
Inside the upstairs bathrooms at The Tunnel nightclub.
Cynthia Bailey from 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' in the Gershwin Hotel Lobby, with Fashion Moda artist Stefan Eins in the background.